Ranking last year's playoff teams by likelihood of returning

Though the NFL is famous for its parity, plenty of teams have become postseason regulars in the past few years.

Last year’s postseason field featured seven teams returning for at least a second consecutive year, and the previous year featured eight teams back. So while some of the usual suspects should make another run in 2014, it’s a safe bet that a few teams will tail off.

Here’s a look at last year’s playoff teams sorted by the likelihood they make another run in 2014.

12. Panthers

The No. 2 seed in the NFC might seem like an odd choice for the bottom of this list, but Carolina has several vulnerabilities that are hard to miss.

Steve Smith led a wide receiver exodus that was mitigated by Kelvin Benjamin, the first-round pick out of Florida State. A secondary frequently bailed out by the Panthers’ front seven lost one of its top cornerbacks in Captain Munnerlyn. And ever-reliable left tackle Jordan Gross retired with an unclear succession plan.

Add in the significant steps forward that the Buccaneers, Falcons and Saints have made in the unpredictable NFC South, and it’s clear that the Panthers are hard-pressed to match last season’s output.

11. Chargers

Take a minute to remember all the breaks San Diego needed to make the playoffs last year. Can you safely expect a repeat?

Second-year coach Mike McCoy helped guide Philip Rivers to a resurgent season, and wide receiver Keenan Allen looks to be the serious threat the team lacked entering last year. But San Diego’s defense can’t match up with the Broncos and Chiefs in the AFC West.

10. Chiefs

Andy Reid’s crew more than held their own last year, but a return to earth should be expected with a more challenging schedule.

Jamaal Charles proved to a be worthy centerpiece of Kansas City’s offense, but the questions come back to Alex Smith. With a reshuffled offensive line and few threats beyond Dwayne Bowe, the quarterback likely won’t have as many comfortable looks as he did in 2013. Taking a step back is only natural.

What the Bengals really must be worried about are the significant steps forward that their rivals took this offseason. The Steelers looked playoff-ready in the second half of last season and look to be younger and faster at several previous weak points. The Ravens’ offense shouldn’t be as sluggish as it was, and the

With two new coordinators and a revitalized AFC North, there’s no guarantee the Bengals will be making a fourth straight trip back to the postseason.

8. Eagles

No one knows what to expect from Chip Kelly even after an impressive NFL debut.

The Eagles had to wait until Week 17 to clinch the NFC East in Kelly’s first year, but the gap between Philadelphia and the rest of the division widened this offseason. In what should be another down year for the division, the Eagles are the clear favorite to repeat.

That doesn’t mean Philadelphia is without its concerns. The defense must continue to produce takeaways at a prolific rate (tied for third in the NFL) or put its pedestrian pass rush and secondary to the test. And there’s no telling what Nick Foles’ production will be in Year 2.

7. Packers

A healthy Aaron Rodgers should make Green Bay a lock here – the Packers’ season unraveled shortly after the quarterback broke his collarbone last season. The Packers were snakebitten in 2013 and could benefit from big returners if previously injured players stay healthy.

But even a revitalized roster might not be enough to salvage a defense that gave up 61 pass plays of 20-plus yards. Julius Peppers and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix must give the Packers the reinforcements they need, or the Bears could be ready to pounce on the division.

(Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports)

6. Saints

If the Saints played in a less rigorous division, they’d easily compete for a spot higher on this list.

New Orleans finally has the continuity that it lacked in past seasons. Drew Brees should keep the offense rolling at its usual pace, though the loss of Darren Sproles is a concern. The addition of Jairus Byrd gives Rex Ryan more flexibility to deploy his impressive pass-rushing assets. The AFC South is never easy to peg, but the Saints sure look good in the summer.

5. 49ers

Jim Harbaugh has made San Francisco a model of consistency in his time there, but he faces uncertainty in several key spots entering the season.

An injury to NaVorro Bowman and likely suspension deprive the defense of two of its elite players, possibly for some time. The secondary doesn’t inspire confidence after both of its starting cornerbacks departed. And if Frank Gore can’t keep up, the offensive balance will be thrown out of whack.

The 49ers should maintain their spot behind the Seahawks as one of the NFC’s premier teams. But nothing is a given in the ultra competitive NFC West.

4. Colts

If not Indianapolis, then who?

That’s the question of this year’s AFC South. The Colts are by no means a powerhouse, but they might have the most breathing room of any team thanks to their struggling division.

Robert Mathis’ four-game suspension and Trent Richardson’s puzzling play are among the areas of concern, but it shouldn’t matter in Indianapolis’ pursuit of a playoff spot. Andrew Luck guided the Colts to a 6-0 record against the division last year, and a repeat is well within reach.

3. Seahawks

Three of the past five Super Bowl champions have failed to make the playoffs the following year, which we all should realize is a small-sample stat and has no bearing on the Seahawks.

Seattle kept its core together and has capable young players ready to step up where needed. And a healthy Percy Harvin could add a new dimension to the Seahawks’ offense.

Even if the Seahawks struggle, their home advantage is so strong that they at least should lock up a wild card berth.

2. Broncos

Not content to stand pat with last year’s Super Bowl roster, the Broncos gave themselves every chance to top this list.

Denver demonstrated a commitment to upgrading its defense by bringing in Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward and DeMarcus Ware. And the return of Ryan Clady allows the offensive line to reshuffle from its overmatched Super Bowl format.

Though the AFC West could be tough again, the Broncos should have an even easier time than they did in 2013.

1. Patriots

The Patriots aren’t ahead of the pack in the AFC, but they’re the most reliable bet to make it back to the postseason.

Yes, a reliable wide receiver must emerge as a legitimate threat. And it’s unclear how the pass rush will improve after a lackluster season. But the Patriots will keep their strangehold on the AFC East with a stellar secondary, an improved year from Tom Brady and a lack of a push from the Dolphins, Jets and Bills.

New England is tied for the most consecutive postseason appearances (5) with Green Bay. All streaks must come to an end, but this one should have at least another year left.